Maritzburg United coach Roger de Sa expects more from star duo Evans Rusike and Deolin Mekoa

Maritzburg United coach Roger de Sa has admitted that two of his key men, Evans Rusike and Deolin Mekoa, are not playing their best football this season.

The duo proved pivotal for the Team of Choice last term during Ernst Middendorp's tenure, helping the club narrowly avoid relegation to the National First Division and subsequently were both linked with moves to Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns.

However, both players have yet to find second gear for the club this season, with Rusike having scored just two goals in 18 league appearances this season, while Mekoa has also scored two in 17 league games.

De Sa, whose side are still smarting from their midweek defeat to title-chasing Supersport United, is unimpressed with Rusike and Mekoa's form and feels they are not hitting their usual stride ahead of their clash against Free State Stars on Sunday.

"I always think that Evans [Rusike] and Deolin [Mekoa] must give us more and I think they are good enough, especially Evans. I think Evans is still [mentally] at the Africa Cup of Nations and he's little bit unfit," said De Sa, who started Rusike on the bench during the midweek loss against Stuart Baxter's side.

"But he needs to give us more and Deolin as well. [Andre] Felicia will probably feature so at least there are some guys coming back and hopefully we'll have more options."

When these two sides met in the first-half of the season, the game ended in a 1-1 draw in the Free State, with inspirational captain Kurt Lentjies scoring for the visitors on the day.

Meanwhile, the Team of Choice, who have only won one game at home this season, will be boosted by the return of central defender Brian Onyango against Ea Lia Koto, after serving his suspension against Supersport United.

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